Last year, Longfield’s charity shops prevented just over 400 tonnes of waste from going into landfill – that’s the equivalent of 400 Mini Coopers, 800 grand pianos or 727,643 pairs of jeans.
Selling donated, pre-loved goods – they don’t sell any new items unless they’ve been donated from new – and recycling textiles and books means that they’ve also prevented 5406 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released.
Better still, income from Longfield’s 19 charity shops contributes 53 per cent of the funds needed to provide desperately needed hospice care for local people. This couldn’t happen without the generous donations of quality goods and furniture and the dedication of their retail staff and volunteers: van drivers, warehouse sorters, eBay wranglers and all those hard-working people who work in the shops.
Since the warehouse re-located to Thrupp and opened to the public in March – including a new furniture shop and donation hub – there has been a flurry of regular donations, and at first, an influx of furniture donations. However, two months later, furniture stocks in particular are running low.
“If you’re having a clear-out, please think of Longfield,” said Head of Retail, Laura Owen. “We especially need saleable furniture. Any good quality tables, chairs, sofas, armchairs, cabinets etc can bring us a good return and therefore be quickly transformed into much-needed hospice care.”
The warehouse and shop is easy to get to, and is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm at Kingfisher Business Park, just off London Road in Thrupp. Longfield can collect larger items by arrangement.
With more stock comes the need for more volunteers at the donation hub, warehouse, furniture shop and in the E-commerce team. If you have a few hours to spare and you’d like to spend them with cheerful, friendly people doing something that has a big impact, they’d love to hear from you.
For donation queries, collections or more information about volunteering roles, email logistics@longfield.org.uk or call 01453 836715
